Chris Phielix

Awareness of group performance in a CSCL-environment: Effects of peer feedback and reflection

This study investigated the effects of a peer feedback tool and a reflection tool on social and cognitive performance during computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL). A CSCL-environment was augmented with a peer feedback tool (Radar) and a reflection tool (Reflector) in order to make group members aware of both their individual and their group behavior. Radar visualizes how group members perceive their own social and cognitive performance and that of their peers during collaboration along five dimensions. Reflector stimulates group members to reflect upon their own performance and the performance of the group. A 2x2 factorial between-subjects design was used to examine whether Radar and Reflector would lead to better team development, more group satisfaction, lower levels of group conflict, more positive attitudes toward problem-based collaboration, and a better group product. Results show that groups with Radar perceived their team as being better developed, experienced lower conflict levels, and had a more positive attitude towards collaborative problem solving than groups without Radar. The quality of group products, however, did not differ. The results demonstrate that peer feedback on the social performance of individual group members can enhance the performance and attitudes of a CSCL-group.

Group awareness of social and cognitive performance in a CSCL environment: Effects of a peer feedback and reflection tool

A peer feedback tool (Radar) and a reflection tool (Reflector) were used to enhance group performance in a computer-supported collaborative learning environment. Radar allows group members to assess themselves and their fellow group members on six traits related to social and cognitive behavior. Reflector stimulates group members to reflect on their past, present and future group functioning, stimulating them to set goals and formulate plans to improve their social and cognitive performance. The underlying assumption was that group performance would be positively influenced by making group members aware of how they, their peers and the whole group perceive their social and cognitive behavior in the group. Participants were 108 fourth-year high school students working in dyads, triads and groups of four on a collaborative writing task, with or without the tools. Results demonstrate that awareness stimulated by the peer feedback and reflection tools enhances group-process satisfaction and social performance of CSCL-groups.

Awareness of cognitive and social behaviour in a CSCL environment

Most distributed and virtual online environments for and pedagogies of computer-supported collaborative learning CSCL neglect the social and social-emotional aspects underlying the group dynamics of learning and working in a CSCL group. These group dynamics often determine whether the group will develop into a well-performing team and whether a sound social space emerges. Using a theory-based CSCL framework, two studies evaluated whether two tools, Radar and Reflector, supported cognitive, social and socio-emotional aspects of team development, encouraging promotive interaction and group processing in the teams. While not affecting product quality, tool use did lead to groups who perceived their team as being better developed, as having higher levels of group satisfaction and lower levels of conflicts. The results support that promotive interaction and group processing was increased by using Radar and Reflector.

The design of peer feedback and reflection tools in a CSCL environment

This design study developed and tested a peer assessment tool and reflection tool for enhancing group functioning in a computer-supported collaborative learning environment. The underlying assumption was that group functioning can be positively influenced by making group members aware of how their behavior is perceived by themselves, their peers, and the group as a whole. This awareness, which is conditional for behavioral change, is achieved through a peer assessment tool and a reflection tool. A 2×2 factorial between-subjects design was used. Participants were 39 fourth-year high school students who worked in groups of 3 or 4 on a collaborative writing task. Results show that groups with peer assessment tool developed better teams, had lower levels of group conflicts, and had a more positive attitude towards collaborative problem solving, than groups without a peer assessment tool. Thus, peer feedback on social behavior of group members can enhance group functioning in CSCL-groups.

Conexiones de valor: una perspectiva del capital social sobre las redes sociales de profesores, el compromiso y la autoeficacia

In research on educational reform implementation, scholars have highlighted the importance of teacher collaboration in support of increased student achievement. In this study, we examine whether teachers’ knowledge exchange in social networks is related to key elements that have been associated with increased student achievement, namely teacher self-efficacy and commitment. Drawing on social capital theory, we study teachers’ social networks to assess whether greater access to resources, as captured by a more central network position, is related to a greater sense of teacher efficacy and commitment. We collected survey and social network data from eight elementary schools in the Netherlands (N=114), which were then analyzed using social network analysis and correlational analysis. Results suggest positive relationships between teachers’ social network indicators, teacher self-efficacy, and commitment to the organization and to students. Our findings yield directions for more relationally oriented educational policy instruments.